We were lucky to catch up with Alexa Janell Aviles Arnold recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alexa Janell, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

In 2010 I got into trouble with the law. I dealt with these consequences for the next couple of years. I had hit my rock bottom at 21 years old and had no idea what my life would like. I thought “no one will hire me”, and I had no idea what career I could possibly have. Up until that point, I had been a server in restaurants and I had dropped out of college.

One day while riding my bike home from work, I noticed a flower sticking out of someone’s fence. It caught my attention and I stopped to take a picture with my phone. I put my phone away and kept riding home. When I got there, I looked at the picture I had taken and was completely blown away!

It was in that moment that it hit me, I want to be a photographer. I later learned that the flower was a Passion flower.

I got my first camera a few months later (Christmas of 2012). A Canon Rebel T3. I watched a ton of YouTube videos, practiced photographing nature and my family and friends. I eventually started to charge and officially started my business in 2015.

Alexa Janell, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Shortly after starting my business in 2015, I became vegan. I quickly learned that veganism is more that just the food eaten, but the products used. I learned that glossy paper is made of gelatin, so I now offer only matte paper for my prints. I also choose to sell vegan leather or fabric albums instead of traditional leather. This has helped shaped my business in a way that is unique and sets me apart from others, while also educating people on information they may not have previously known.

I am also a lifestyle photographer. I love documenting real moments and capturing genuine smiles. This is not always possible with traditional posed photography. When photographing families, couples and even business owners, I do my best to create an environment that helps people relax and have fun. Capturing movement and moments that truly capture someone’s essence and/or connection.

I have also developed a passion for meditation and breath work. When appropriate or helpful, I can help people feel calm and present, reminding them to take some deep breaths and get out of the busy mind. It’s really easy to over think when having a camera pointed at you, and my goal is to help people feel relaxed and have fun while documenting the journey.

In addition to photographing people, nature photography has been a passion of mine. I love photographing flowers, sunsets, mountains and especially birds! My creative journey has been evolving into other art forms such as painting and drawing. I now offer my art prints, as well as mugs, hats and more with my drawings and paintings. I would love for this passion to continue to grow because it brings me so much joy!

Art is a constant evolution of our true passions. I do my best to ride the waves of creativity and stay true to my highest Self’s expression.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Being a “self taught” artist is great, but it can also be challenging without a clear roadmap. Earlier in my creative journey, and even today, I utilize as many free resources as I can find. CreativeLive.com was one place where I really got to learn about the business and the art of photography. YouTube, obviously is a great resource with infinite information available! I also had joined PPA (Professional Photographers of America) and became a part of the local chapter. This was extremely helpful as I was able to connect with other Photographers who were way more established than I. This was invaluable, and I highly recommend connecting with your local community.

One of the resources I more recently have discovered is SkillShare. While this is not a free platform, they offer 30 day free trials, and they have so many amazing lessons for not only photography, business but all art forms!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

More than ever, I believe supporting local small businesses and artists is extremely important. Many people are no longer in alignment with the values and visions of large corporations, and we’ve become accustomed to convenience rather than choosing based on integrity, intention, and heart. Sometimes we feel we do not have much influence on our economy at large, but supporting small businesses and artists is actually one of the most impactful things we can do to create a thriving ecosystem.

Purchasing from artists and creatives helps more than you may know. Anytime someone hires me or purchases my art, it supports my family directly. This is true for all artists and creatives. We pour our time, energy, heart, and soul into what we create—and while it may not always be the quickest or cheapest option, it carries something deeply human. It carries story, presence, passion, and purpose.

To truly support a thriving creative ecosystem, we need to shift from passive consumption to intentional support. That means showing up for local markets, sharing the work of artists we admire, hiring creatives for our business needs, and understanding that art is not a luxury—it’s a vital part of our culture and collective wellbeing.

When artists are supported, we all benefit. Communities become more vibrant, more connected, and more alive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ajanellphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajanell.photography/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexaJanell
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/alexa.janell/

Image Credits

Alexa Janell Photography